Patient Bed Coupling Alignment Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing patient bed systems face challenges in ensuring a constraint-free transfer of the bed between the support column and the trolley due to potential misalignment, which can lead to malfunctions during alignment adjustments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors on the support-column side to detect the position of coupling elements and adjust the column head to achieve precise alignment, allowing for friction-free coupling between the bed, support column, and trolley.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bed is transferred manually between the trolley and support column without alignment sensors, then the transfer process is simple and quick, but misalignment occurs between coupling elements causing constraint and malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment sensor detects the position of coupling elements before the transfer operation commences, and the control unit pre-adjusts the column head position to ensure proper alignment. This preliminary alignment action prevents misalignment during the actual transfer, resolving the contradiction between reliable transfer and system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment sensor provides real-time feedback on the relative position of coupling elements, and the control unit continuously adjusts the column head based on this feedback signal. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures precise alignment during transfer while automating the process to maintain reliability without excessive complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the column head position is manually adjusted without sensors, then the device structure remains simple, but precise alignment of coupling elements cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The manual mechanical adjustment of the column head is replaced by an automated adjustment system comprising an alignment sensor and control unit. The sensor detects coupling element positions and the control unit automatically adjusts the column head, achieving precise alignment without relying on manual operation while managing system complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-alignment through the sensor detecting the relative position of coupling elements and the control unit automatically adjusting the column head without external intervention. This self-service capability achieves precise alignment while minimizing the need for complex manual adjustment mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If coupling elements are not precisely aligned during transfer, then the transfer mechanism remains simple, but friction and constraint occur during coupling
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment sensor detects coupling element positions before transfer begins, and the control unit pre-adjusts the column head to ensure proper alignment. This preliminary alignment action eliminates friction and constraint during the actual coupling process, achieving smooth transfer while managing complexity through automated preparation.
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment sensor provides continuous feedback on coupling element alignment, and the control unit makes real-time adjustments during transfer to maintain optimal alignment. This feedback mechanism ensures friction-free coupling while automating the alignment control to balance smoothness with manageable complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures reliable, friction-free transfer of the bed between the support column and trolley by maintaining precise alignment of coupling elements, preventing malfunctions caused by misalignment.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor for sensing the position of a bed-side coupling element in relation to the column-side coupling element
Data Source
AI summary
In a patient bed system, comprising a patient bed, a support column for supporting the bed and a trolley for transporting the bed, the bed having arranged on it first coupling elements (22) which are intended for selective connection to second or third coupling elements (24, 26) on the support column and on the trolley respectively, at least one of the coupling elements (24) located on the support-column side has provided on it at least one sensor (102) for sensing the position of a first coupling element (22) connected to the bed (18) in relation to the column-side coupling element (24), the sensor (102) taking effect when the bed is located on the trolley and the latter assumes in relation to the support column a specific position for transferring the bed onto the latter.